I’ve been in the fitness industry for a long time, and I’ve seen many, many different answers to this question. So, let me break it down for you…it depends on what your goals are.

Did that clear things up?

I didn’t think so. But, it’s true. There’s no right answer for everyone.

If you are training for a marathon, you have entirely different exercise needs than if you are a couch potato looking to get a little healthier.

Of course, if you have a specific and immediate goal, you need to have a schedule that suits that goal. But, if not, you need to find the amount suits your body and lifestyle best – it’s different for everyone and you just have to try different things to find what that is for you and your body.

For mental health and sanity, you need to exercise (or do enough general activity) to get “out of your head” every day. That could be 5 minutes some days and an hour or more other days. But, you need to get to that place where you stop obsessing about whatever issues are top of mind. Your brain needs the break.

All sorts of studies have been done to test this, and the outcome is that we are more productive, happier, and make better decisions when we exercise regularly.

For your body, you need to exercise enough to feel strong and functional. And not so much or so strenuously that you can’t move the next day. Methods like Pilates are designed to work your whole body in a way that you can do it every day and feel better, not wrecked.

So, take a look at your lifestyle and your goals and then create an exercise plan – choose things you enjoy so you’ll stick with them. And try new things! You might find a new favorite…

Schedule your sessions. Put them on the calendar. Show up and work just like you would in any other meeting.

Try it out for a while. See how it goes. Adjust it as needed until you find a good balance where you feel better and more energetic. And continue to adjust your plan as you and your life change.